If you have not been … you NEED to go. This was also on my list of Top 10 Pumpkin Patches & Orchards to visit in the Des Moines area.
First thing we did, when we entered the Farm Fun area, was check out the kid toy tractors! Monte thought he was such a big boy “riding” around.
Next, we were off to check out the farm animals. Monte isn’t too sure of goats. Remember when he wouldn’t get near the goats at Wills Family Orchard? Well, same thing here!
One of my favorite things is the 3 Little Pig houses they have. They are sooooo cute! They are perfect size for Monte to walk in and check out.
The bridge and old school house was fun too! Monte enjoyed the small desk. He was ready to learn!
Off to the corn pit! I wanted to do this last year with Monte, but he was still a bit young. Monte had so much fun “swimming” in the corn and would not stop laughing 🙂
The Jumping Pillow is another highlight at Center Grove and GREAT exercise!
Riding on a hayrack ride was also on our bucket list. We hopped on the hayrack ride to go find us some pumpkins! Monte enjoyed all of the bouncing and scenery along the way.
When we got out to the pumpkin patch there were so many pumpkins to pick from! Monte picked one out just his size 🙂
Last, but not least, we could not leave without trying some yummy apple cider made from apples at Center Grove. The perfect ending to a great experience!
Overall, Center Grove Orchard is a definite must! There are so many activities to do and see! I couldn’t list them all!
Some other things include …
Huge slide
Corn maze
Horse bounce races
Hay maze
Lots of food to eat such as apple cider doughnuts and caramel apples
Apple picking
Admission is $9.95 per person for ages 3 and up BUT if you go during the week it is $7.95 per person for ages 3 and up. The main advantage for going during the week is it’s not as crowded. There are some things that are not available though, such as the restaurant and science shows they offer.
If you think you may go multiple times, purchasing a season pass would be smart for $21.95 and you can visit the Farm Fun area as many times as you like for the 2013 season!
Make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand of the screen for more upcoming events not listed here!
1. Oktoberfest
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Where and What: Located downtown this is the 10th annual Oktoberfest. Drink a bunch of German beers and eat some German food. You can buy advance tickets for $7.00 or tickets at the door for $10.00. Each ticket includes: 2-day admission, a mug and your first beer! Check out their official website for scheduled events, beers, and menu here.
2. The Brew Mile
When: Saturday 4 pm – 6 pm
Where and What: If you are heading out to check out Oktoberfest, why not run a race?! There are 3 different runs to choose from: The Fun Mile, The Competitive Mile, and The Elite Mile. You can choose to walk, jog, or run and dress up in your favorite German beer attire! When you register, you receive FREE admission into Oktoberfest, a collectible brew pint, and a FREE brew ticket! Check out the website for all of the details!
3. Autumn Open House at the Garden Barn
When: Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm – 5pm
Where and What: The Garden Barn is located in Indianola. The Garden Barn sells a lot of nature inspired decor, including things for the house and your garden. If you are looking for a unique birthday gift or even a little early Christmas shopping, definitely head out to Indianola and check it out! Check out their website.
4. Fight for Air Walk
When: Saturday at 8 am
Where and What: This walk is located at Principal Park and you can choose between a 1 mile or 3.1 mile walk. This walk is to help raise money to fight against asthma, secondhand smoke, lung cancer, emphysema, and those lost to these diseases. Check out the official website.
5. Sleepy Hollow Beer Run
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: This run will take place at Sleepy Hollow and benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Run the 5 k course while stopping for some beer samples along the way. Check out here for registration information!
6. Natural Playscape Celebration
When: Saturday at 10 am
Where and What: Bring the kids to Sargent Park for games and activities including: monarch maze, make a track, and a tree photo shoot. Refreshments will also be available.
7. Applefest at Living History Farms
When: Saturday 11 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Go out to Living History Farms and have your kiddos try stirring the kettle of apple butter, and try cranking the press of apple cider. There will also be fun games, activities, food and drinks available. Iowa Orchard will also be selling some goodies, including their Apple Butter I used to make Fall of the Bone Apple Butter Ribs! Check out their website for more information.
8. Illumifest, A Fall Festival of Lights
When: Saturday 2 pm – Dusk
Where and What: Located at the West Des Moines City School Campus (4200 Mills Civic Parkway). There will be activities for everyone including: a car show, carnival rides, games, FREE hot air balloon rides, an outdoor movie featuring “Brave”, fireworks and lots of food! Check out the official site here for a schedule of events!
9. SCI Star Party
When: Saturday 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where and What: Join the Science Center of Iowa staff at Ewing Park! This is another event great for the whole family. You will be able to observe the moon and stars with several telescopes set up to use for FREE.
10. Iowa Outdoor Expo for Kids and Families
When: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Where and What: Located at Water Works Park this is another event for the whole family! There will be LOTS of hands on activities all for free. If your kiddos have always been interested in hunting and fishing this is the perfect opportunity to show them what it is all about. There are also some great programs to see including: Reptiles Alive, Prairie Chickens of Iowa, Owls of Iowa, and more! Check out here for a schedule of events!
11. Apple and Pumpkin Fest at Wills Family Orchard
When: Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday 12 – 6 pm
Where and What: Go out to Wills Family Orchard to pick out some pumpkins and apples! There will also be lots and lots of activities too including: shopping in the orchard store, paint a gourd, toss games, check out the barnyard animals, and of course food & drinks! Check out their website for more information!
12. DSMove
When: Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm
Where and What: Located in the Drake neighborhood, there will be a soccer pitch, yoga studio, playground, skate park, and more! This event is for the whole family! The World’s Largest Bike will be available to see and LOTS more!
PLAN AHEAD …
1. Slaughter House
When: October 4th through November 2nd
Where and What: This haunted house is located in Pleasant Hill. Definitely not recommended for the kiddos, but if you are a fan of terrors and haunted house, this is a definite must this Halloween season! Check out their website for times and also a $2 off coupon.
2. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
When: October 18th – October 20th
Where and What: Tickets are on sale now for this incredible circus coming to Wells Fargo Arena! You will not want to miss taking your kiddos to “The Greatest Show on Earth” full of animals and shows! Check out the website to see times and to purchase tickets.
3. Wicked at the Civic Center
When: October 20th – November 10th
What: Tickets are on sale now! This is a popular show so make sure you get them now! Buy Tickets.
Yepp! Tomorrow, September 19th, is National Talk Like A Pirate Day!! It’s actually an international holiday. I know, weird … right? BUT you will be amazed on how well known this day is! If you check out Pinterest there are several activities and even some well known places that are giving away freebies tomorrow.
Here are just a few things I came across, that YOU can do to participate in National Talk Like A Pirate Day!
6. Stop by Krispy Kreme Doughnut and talk like a pirate to get a FREE doughnut or dress like a pirate and receive FREE dozen doughnuts! Here is a print out for an eye patch and instructions created by Krispy Kreme.
Monte is still a little too young to participate in these activities but we will definitely be watching Jake in the Neverland Pirates and he will wear his pirate shirt!
What are you going to do to celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day?
When and Where: Friday 11 am – 1:30 pm, Walnut Street between 6th & 7th Street
What: This is the last Welcome Back to Walnut Street of the summer! Walk along and check out all the food vendors, and live music during your lunch break. The Des Moines Ballet will also be performing! Check out here for more information and the names of specific vendors!
2. Science Center Family Night
When and Where: Friday 5-8 pm at the Science Center of Iowa
What: Bring the whole family to the Science Center, $5 for general admission. During this time do several activities including building a rocket, check out the I-MAX theater and much more! The Science Center cafe, The Food Chain, also has food specials available. For more information check out the Science Center of Iowa.
3. Beaverdale Fall Festival
When: Friday 7 am – 11 pm & Saturday 7:30 am – 11 pm
What: Located in the Beaverdale area, come out for live music, a carnival, activities, food and more! Friday evening there will be fireworks and Saturday morning there will be a parade starting at 10 am. Entrance into the festival is FREE! Check out their official site for maps and more information regarding vendors here.
4. Iowa State vs. Iowa Football Game
When and Where: Saturday @ 5 pm at Jack Trice Stadium
What: The Iowa State Cyclones (0-1) will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1) in the annual Cy-Hawk game! If you do not have tickets to watch it in Ames this year, a lot of bars in the Des Moines area will be offering specials for the game. Get dressed up, meet up with friends, and watch the game! Check out this weeks Datebook for specific Hawkeye fan bars and Cyclone fan bars!
5. Free Cheerleading Clinic
When and Where: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm at Apex Athletics in Johnston
What: Do you have an aspiring cheerleader on your hands? This would be the perfect opportunity for your little one to learn more about cheering and tumbling. This is for kids ages 3 and up. This clinic is free! Go here to pre-register! Also, while registering check out all of the other awesome classes they offer!
6. Des Moines Renaissance Faire
When: Saturday 10 am – 6 pm & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Where and What: This is the FINAL weekend of the Renaissance Faire! Get out to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park where the Renaissance Fare is being held! Lots of food, entertainment, and activities. There is surely something for everyone! For more information check out their official website here.
7. Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine
When: September 14 & 15 and September 20-22
Where: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
What: This starts this weekend! There may be some tickets still available, so if you are interested check it out! Take a ride on Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt! Check out the official website here for more information and to purchase tickets.
8. Art in the Barn
When and Where: Sunday 4- 7 pm at Simpson Barn in Johnston
What: Come out to Simpson Barn and enjoy wine and cheese! This event is to help raise money for the Johnston Public Library. Last year, they raised $3,500 and used it towards purchasing computers for the children’s section in the library. This year there will be even more artists displayed! You can purchase tickets at Hy-Vee or the Johnston Public Library for $20. For more information check it out here.
PLAN AHEAD …
1. World Food & Music Festival
When: September 20th – 22nd, Friday & Saturday 11 am -10 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Historic East Village
What: Great event for the whole family! Free to attend. $1 samples all entrees are $5 or less. Check out the live music and cooking demonstrations! For more information check out their official website here.
2. White Christmas
When: December 10th – 15th
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
What: Yes, the holiday season is just around the corner! Tickets go on sale for this classic on September 23rd at 9 am!
Hello everyone! I hope you had an awesome weekend! We definitely did 🙂 We made it out to the Iowa State Fair yesterday with Monte and had a blast.
There are so many different things to do and see there with kiddos. Of course, we were not able to do and see everything. Monte could only handle being there for a few hours, but we surely jammed in a lot!
First stop, was the DNR building. I actually have never visited before and did not realize how many cool and kid friendly things they had. Inside the building they had multiple booths with different activities such as puzzles and coloring. In the center was a HUGE aquarium full of lots and lots of different fish!
Outside was an area with lots of ducks, geese and a few turtles to look at.
There was also a large nest with bald eagle eggs you could look at.
The Insect Zoo from Iowa State was pretty interesting too!
Afterwards, we headed over to a tent that was full of fun Legos to play with! Monte thought it was pretty fun.
We had to make a quick adult stop at the Craft Beer Tent.
We made our way to check out all of the animals including the boar and a very large pig!
Finally, we ended our time with running in the fountains. Monte wasn’t too sure at first …
But, by the end he was soaking wet. We stripped him out of his clothes and he enjoyed a bowl of fresh fruit 🙂
Overall, it was a very successful day at the Iowa State Fair! You should definitely check it out this week!
Have you taken your kiddos to the Iowa State Fair yet? What fun things did you do and see?
